The Museum of Contemporary Art Busan is set to unveil a groundbreaking venture on May 3, blending commerce and art with the opening of its museum shop located in the museum’s first-floor lobby. The shop, which will feature items designed to enhance the connection between the museum’s exhibitions and its visitors, will be accompanied by the “Kung” exhibition, which will run until December 29, 2024.
The museum shop aims to transform how art is experienced by situating it within the routine transactions of everyday life. This innovative space is not just a place for purchasing museum-themed merchandise, but also a dynamic exhibition area. The “Kung” project will include installations by ten domestic and international artists and graphic designers, making the shop a frontier where art meets daily life.
The “Kung” exhibition explores the historical and contemporary significance of stamps, a modest yet potent tool for communication. This exhibit looks at various types of stamps and their uses over time, reflecting their evolution and the roles they play in today’s society.
Artists participating in the exhibition will showcase how this simple tool can convey complex emotions and ideas. The exhibition is divided into three sections. The first section delves into the historical use of stamps, emphasizing their importance through time. The second focuses on the aesthetic qualities of stamps, exploring their design and form. The third section examines the intersection of stamps with contemporary art and design, highlighting their versatility as creative tools.
Additionally, the museum has set up an interactive space where visitors can engage directly with stamps, from creating their own artwork to playing traditional games like Go, thereby offering a hands-on understanding of the artistic potential of stamps.
In conjunction with the exhibition, the museum shop will offer fifteen special stamps, including permanent stamps and rubber stamps, developed specifically for this project. The director of the Museum of Contemporary Art Busan, expressed his enthusiasm for the new installation: “With the opening of our new museum shop and the accompanying ‘Kung’ exhibition, we invite everyone to explore the rich history and the endless possibilities that stamps offer as both an artistic and practical tool.”
For more information about the museum shop and the “Kung” exhibition, visitors are encouraged to check the museum’s website at www.busan.go.kr/moca.
